Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cell phones, social media in binge-worthy U.K. musical show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Almost Never
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ALMOST NEVER, two bands compete on a nationally televised show called Spotlight. On one side, there's an all-girl band called Girls Here First. On the other, there's a trio of boys who call themselves The Wonderland. The winning band gets to be managed by a professional in the music industry. The losers, well, they get nothing. The girls' band wins, and the boys are deflated, but not defeated. They keep writing songs, find a place to practice, and find a friend who's a vlogger and social media handler. Will their dreams come true if they work hard? Will the risks they take pay off?
Is It Any Good?
This likable soapy show for tweens has catchy tunes to boot. Almost Never doesn't boast the high-end studio production of many Disney shows; that's part of the charm. The weather isn't always sunny in the U.K., and there's a laundry hamper on the counter in the main characters' kitchen. Though the parents in the show can be a little stagey with their offers to help, or their strict rules, they're there. And that's appropriate for younger tweens to see -- it feels like real life. Not a lot of rules about cell phone usage going on here, but there's not a lot of cyber-bullying happening either.
Tweens who are getting bitten by the music bug will enjoy the song writing and jam sessions. Adults might not mind the cover versions of songs that they know. This is a great show for families to enjoy together on a rainy weekend at home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the usage of phones in Almost Never. If you have a cell phone, how much do you use it? Are the kids in this show using their phones as much or more than you or your friends?
The kids in this show are super concerned about social media. How much do you think about what goes on over social media?
Kids in this show are posting on social media constantly -- even at the dinner table. What are your family's rules about posting on social media?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 1, 2021
- Network: Disney Channel
- Genre: Kids Musical TV
- Topics: Arts and Dance , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , High School , Middle School , Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: October 5, 2021
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